Dynamic product labels for compiling custom data from supply chain nodes

ABSTRACT

Provided is a dynamic label for a product. Data that is generated at different nodes in the supply chain can be linked to a unique identifier associated with the product. At a particular node, the dynamic label may be added to the product, container, or package. The dynamic label may include a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) tag with a value that can be read using a user device. The dynamic label may be connected to the unique identifier. When the product reaches a consumer, the consumer may use a device to read the dynamic label, and pass the value from the dynamic label to a host. The host may identify the connection between the dynamic label and the unique identifier, and may provide the data, that is generated by different nodes in the supply chain and that is associated with the unique identifier, to the user device.

CLAIM OF BENEFIT TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 16/717,658 entitled “Dynamic Product Labels for CompilingCustom Data From Supply Chain Nodes”, filed Dec. 17, 2019, and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,977,456. The contents of application Ser. No.16/717,658 are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Consumers may obtain information about medicines, supplements, and otherproducts they purchase from the product label and/or packaging. Thelabel and/or packaging may make claims as to the composition, purity,potency, safety, and/or efficacy of the product. Besides these printedclaims, there is no reliable, trusted, or easy way for the consumer toverify the claims.

Some products may be tampered with or contaminated at some point in thesupply chain before reaching the consumer. Some products may befraudulently produced by third-parties to resemble the originalproducts, and may be introduced into the supply chain or at the point ofsale where they become indistinguishable from the original products.Still other products may be made and/or packaged at different facilitiesof the same manufacturer. The facilities may use different sourcedgoods, processes, and/or equipment, any of which can lead to a lack ofuniformity or consistency in the end product that is provided to theconsumer. The static labels and containers cannot account for any ofthese variances, and cannot verify that the products were not tamperedwith, contaminated, or fraudulently produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of linking product data from differentpoints in a supply chain to a dynamic label that is included on thecontainer and/or package of the product in accordance with someembodiments presented herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of using the dynamic product label toaccess data from different points in the supply chain in accordance withsome embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of two custom data sets that may be accessedusing the dynamic product labeling in accordance with some embodimentspresented herein.

FIG. 4 presents a process for linking data from different nodes in thesupply chain to the dynamic product label that a consumer may use tosubsequently access the linked data in accordance with some embodimentspresented herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of different data being associated withthe dynamic labels of the same product produced by different supplychain nodes in accordance with some embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of dynamically updating data for a productusing the dynamic product label in accordance with some embodimentspresented herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example architecture for the dynamic productlabeling of some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative architecture for the dynamic productlabeling of some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates example functional components of one or more devices,in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the sameor similar elements.

Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a dynamic label with aproduct, and for linking data that is generated at different points inthe supply chain to the dynamic label so that consumers may access thedata to verify the composition, purity, potency, safety, efficacy,and/or other properties of the product at the different points in thesupply chain. Based on the data linked to the dynamic label, consumersmay further verify that a product was not tampered with, contaminated,fraudulently produced, and/or otherwise manufactured to deviate fromclaimed standards.

Accordingly, the dynamic product label may provide information that iscustomized on a per unit basis or per group basis to account for theproduct path through the supply chain. The dynamic product label mayprovide different nodes in the supply chain with the ability todynamically add data to the dynamic label or modify data that isaccessible via the dynamic label even after the product has beendistributed to consumers. The dynamic product label may be used inconjunction with any product including medicines, supplements, productsthat are ingested, products with topical applications (e.g., lotions,creams, oils, etc.), cleaning products, products associated with foodpreparation, and/or other products where a dynamic label is preferredover a static label.

In some embodiments, the dynamic label may include a Near FieldCommunication (“NFC”) tag, Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag,integrated circuit, or other identifier (e.g., barcode, Quick Response(“QR”) code) that can be scanned and/or read using a sensor on a userdevice. In some embodiments, the dynamic label for a product may beencoded with a machine-readable value that is directly or indirectlylinked to the data that is generated for the product by the differentsupply chain nodes.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of linking product data from differentnodes 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 in a supply chain to dynamic label 105that is included on the container and/or package of the product inaccordance with some embodiments presented herein. In preferredembodiments, dynamic label 105 may be or may include an NFC tag. In someother embodiments, dynamic label 105 may include a RFID tag, integratedcircuit, or encoded image (e.g., barcode, QR code) that can be scannedvia a sensor on a user device.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the supply chain may include sourcing nodes 110-1,110-2, and 110-3 (herein sometimes collectively referred to as “sourcingnodes 110” or individually as “sourcing node 110”),processing/manufacturing node 120, testing nodes 130-1 and 130-2 (hereinsometimes collectively referred to as “testing nodes 130” orindividually as “testing node 130”), packaging node 140, anddistribution node 150. Operations of each node 110-150 may be performedat the same location (e.g., warehouse or facility) or differentlocations. In some embodiments, nodes 110-150 may represent differententities and/or actors that contribute to the production of the productthat is provided to or offered for sale to consumers. In someembodiments, one or more of nodes 110-150 may be controlled by the sameor different entities. In some embodiments, the supply chain may includemore or less nodes, different nodes, and/or may consolidate or partitionthe operations performed by the illustrated nodes for sourcing 110,processing/manufacturing 120, testing 130, packaging 140, anddistribution 150.

Sourcing nodes 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 may produce and/or provide theraw materials or ingredients for the product being manufactured. Forinstance, sourcing nodes 110 may include different farms or suppliers.Each of sourcing nodes 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 may be responsible forproviding the same goods or different goods to processing/manufacturing120 node.

One or more devices (e.g., sensors, computers, robots, etc.) at sourcingnodes 110 may track and/or capture data set 115 that results from theinputs, outputs, and operations at sourcing nodes 110, and may directlyor indirectly associate the data to dynamic label 105. For example,sourcing nodes 110 may generate data set 115 that verifies the point oforigin for the goods, the quality of the goods, how the goods werecreated, and/or other properties. As a specific example, when theproduct is a supplement containing organic matter that is grown bysourcing nodes 110, sourcing nodes 110 may generate data set 115 toverify that the organic matter was grown without pesticides,antibiotics, hormones, genetic engineering, and/or toxins, and to verifythe harvesting date and location of the organic matter.

Processing/manufacturing node 120 may be responsible for producing theproduct via the goods obtained from sourcing nodes 110. Accordingly,processing/manufacturing node 120 may mix, compile, blend, and/orotherwise combine the goods from sourcing nodes 110 in a manner thatyields individual units of the desired product.

One or more devices at processing/manufacturing node 120 may trackand/or capture data set 125 that results from the inputs, outputs, andoperations at processing/manufacturing node 120, and may directly orindirectly associate the data to dynamic label 105. For example,processing/manufacturing node 120 may generate data set 125 thatverifies the composition of the goods used to produce the product orproduct batch, point of origin (e.g., sourcing nodes 110) for the goodsused for producing the product or product batch, the facility at whichthe product or product batch is produced, the assembly line, equipment,and/or workers that contributed to the manufacturing of the product orproduct batch, the manufacturing date, conditions (e.g., temperature,humidity, etc.) at the time of manufacturing, and/or other informationrelated to processing and/or manufacturing of the product or productbatch.

Testing nodes 130 may include facilities (e.g., laboratories) at whichthe composition, purity, potency, safety, efficacy, and/or otherproperties of the manufactured product are tested and measured by athird-party (e.g., an entity other than processing/manufacturing node120). Testing nodes 130 may also perform tests to verify that theproducts satisfy compliance, regulatory, and/or other safety standards.Testing nodes 130-1 and 130-2 may perform the same tests to ensureconsistency in the results and testing procedures. Testing nodes 130-1and 130-2 may perform different tests when each node 130 has differentequipment or specializes in performing different tests.

Testing nodes 130 may generate test results (e.g., third set of data135) that can be used verify the composition, purity, potency, safety,efficacy, and/or other properties of the manufactured product. Testingnodes 130 may also generate certifications (e.g., third set of data 135)to indicate that the manufactured product satisfies compliance,regulatory, and/or other safety standards. One or more devices attesting nodes 130 may track and/or capture data set 135 generated attesting nodes 130, and may directly or indirectly associate data set 135to dynamic label 105.

Packaging node 140 may represent one or more facilities at which themanufactured products are packaged and/or labeled. In some embodiments,manufacturing/processing node 120 may be at the same location aspackaging node 140. In some other embodiments, the individual productsthat are produced by manufacturing/processing node 120 may be shipped topackaging node 140 where the products are placed in containers and/orboxes bearing dynamic label 105, and/or where the containers and/orboxes are placed in palettes for shipment to vendors.

Packaging node 140 may generate data set 145 that verifies the handlingof the product (e.g., operations to prevent tampering), the contents ofthe containers and/or boxes (e.g., prevent fraudulent products byidentifying manufacturing/processing node 120 as the provider of themanufactured product), and/or the cleanliness of the facility at whichthe packaging is performed (e.g., operations to prevent contamination).Other packaging data (e.g., data set 145) may include the packagingdate, conditions at the packaging facility, and/or identification of theassembly line, equipment, and/or workers that packaged the products. Oneor more devices at packaging node 140 may track and/or capture data set145 generated at packaging node 140, and may directly or indirectlyassociate data set 145 to dynamic label 105.

In some embodiments, packaging node 140 is also the point in the supplychain at which dynamic label 105 is associated with the manufacturedproducts. For instance, packaging node 140 may add dynamic label 105 tothe product container or package, may scan dynamic label 105, maypackage a set of products in the container or box, and may link the datasets that are generated at packaging node 140 and other nodes in thesupply chain (e.g., sourcing nodes 110, processing/manufacturing node120, and testing nodes 130) to dynamic label 105. The linking of thedata sets to dynamic label 105 is explained in greater detail below. Insome embodiments, the same dynamic label 105 may be used on containersor packages of different products when the products are part of a commonbatch that was produced by the same nodes in the supply chain and/or atthe same time.

Distribution node 150 may ship or move the packaged product frompackaging node 140 to wholesalers or retailers that then make theproduct available to consumers. Distribution node 150 may generate dataset 155 that verifies which products are shipped to which locations, thehandling of the products, and/or operations to prevent tampering,contamination, spoilage, and/or damage to the product during transport.One or more devices at distribution node 150 may track and/or capturedata set 155 generated at distribution node 150 or as the products arein transit, and may directly or indirectly associate data set 155 todynamic label 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of using dynamic label 105 of a product toaccess data for that product from one or more data sets 115, 125, 135,145, and 155 generated by different nodes 110-150 in the supply chain inaccordance with some embodiments presented herein. User device 210 mayscan (at 1) dynamic label 105 from the product container and/or package.In some embodiments, user device 210 may use an embedded NFC chip toread a value from dynamic label 105 via magnetic inductance. In someother embodiments, user device 210 may use an integrated circuit, radio,camera, or other sensor to read and/or decode the value from dynamiclabel 105

User device 210 may access (at 2) host 220 using the value that is readfrom dynamic label 105. In some embodiments, host 220 may be anetwork-accessible device that provides a website, network-accessibleinterface, and/or Application Programming Interface (“API”) from whichproduct data generated by the supply chain nodes 110-150 can beaccessed. In some embodiments, the value read from dynamic label 105corresponds to a Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) with the product data.In some embodiments, the value read from dynamic label 105 may be usedas a query parameter for querying host 220 for the product data. In anycase, host may provide user device 210 with data for the product fromone or more data sets 115, 125, 135, 145, and 155. User device 210 mayuse a wired or wireless network (e.g., WiFi, Long Term Evolution (“LTE”)connectivity, Fifth Generation New Radio (“5G NR”), etc.) to access (at2) host 220.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of two custom data sets 310 and 320 that maybe accessed from host 220 using dynamic label 105 in accordance withsome embodiments presented herein. Specifically, data sets 310 and 320may be accessed in response to user device 210 scanning dynamic label105 from a product container or package, and requesting a website thatis targeted by a value that is read from dynamic label 105 by userdevice 210.

First data set 310 may be generated by one or more ofprocessing/manufacturing node 120 and testing nodes 130, and may presentthe chemical composition of the product. A user may reference first dataset 310 to verify the composition, purity, potency, safety, efficacy,and/or other properties of the product.

Second data set 320 may be generated by a different node in the productsupply chain than the node that generated first data set 310. Forinstance, second data set 320 may be generated by packaging node 140.Second data set 320 may present information about who, where, and howthe product was packaged. The user may reference second data set 320 toverify that the product was not tampered with, contaminated, orotherwise varies from compliance and/or consistency standards.

FIG. 4 presents a process 400 for linking data from different nodes inthe supply chain to dynamic label 105, and for providing a consumeraccess to the linked data via dynamic label 105 in accordance with someembodiments presented herein. Process 400 may include generating (at410) a unique identifier for a new product or product batch. In someembodiments, the first node (e.g., sourcing nodes 110) or another nodein the supply chain may generate (at 410) the unique identifier, and mayprovide the unique identifier to the other nodes in the supply chainpath involved in the production of the same product. The uniqueidentifier may include an alphanumeric character sequence to be used inidentifying the product data that is generated at each node involved inthe production of the product.

Process 400 may include generating (at 420) data for the product at anext node in the supply chain. For instance, sourcing 110 may be thefirst node in the supply chain, and may generate (at 420) first data set115 for the product. As noted above, sourcing 110 may provide the rawmaterials that are used by processing/manufacturing node 120 tomanufacture the product. Accordingly, sourcing nodes 110 may generate(at 420) data that provides information about the raw materials.

Process 400 may include associating (at 430) the generated data to theunique identifier. Associating (at 430) the generated data to the uniqueidentifier may include linking, tagging, or storing the data with theunique identifier. For instance, sourcing node 110 may associate (at430) data about the raw materials used in the product with the uniqueidentifier, whereas processing/manufacturing node 120 may associate (at430) different data about manufacturing the product from the rawmaterials to the unique identifier. Each supply chain node may havestorage for storing the data that is generated (at 420) by that nodealong with the unique identifier. Alternatively, each supply chain nodemay upload the data generated (at 420) by that node along with theunique identifier to a common repository. In some embodiments, thesupply chain node generating (at 420) the data may receive the uniqueidentifier from a node that is earlier in the supply chain. In otherwords, one node may generate data, associate the data to the uniqueidentifier, then pass the unique identifier along with the product atsome production stage to a next node so that the next node can generateand associate additional product data to the same unique identifier asthe product evolves through the supply chain.

Process 400 may include determining (at 440) if the current node in thesupply chain (e.g., the current node generating data and associatingdata to the unique identifier) corresponds to a particular supply chainnode at which dynamic label 105 is added to or associated with theproduct. In some embodiments, dynamic label 105 is added to a containeror package of the product by packaging node 140.

In response to determining (at 440—No) that dynamic label 105 is notadded at the current node, process 400 may include moving to the nextnode in the supply chain where additional data may be generated (at 420)and associated (at 430) with the unique identifier. In particular,process 400 may resume with the generation (at 420) of a new data setonce the product at its current unfinished state (and the uniqueidentifier for the product) is provided to a next node in the supplychain.

In response to determining (at 440—Yes) that the current node is wheredynamic label 105 is added to or otherwise associated with the product,process 400 may link the generated data to dynamic label 105. Linkingthe generated data to dynamic label 105 may include placing (at 450)dynamic label 105 on the product, product container, or product package.In some embodiments, dynamic label 105 may include a printed labeland/or sticker with an integrated NFC tag. In some embodiments, dynamiclabel 105 may include an NFC tag that is attached to the productcontainer or package independent of other labels and/or stickers.Placing (at 450) dynamic label 105 may include sticking the NFC tag tothe product container or package with an adhesive or integrating the NFCtag directly into the product container or package. In some embodiments,each unit of a product may receive a different dynamic label. In someother embodiments, all products in a particular may receive the samedynamic label.

Linking the generated data to dynamic label 105 may further includeconnecting (at 460) dynamic label 105, that is placed (at 450) on theproduct container or package, to the unique identifier that isassociated (at 430) with the data generated (at 420) by different supplychain nodes. In some embodiments, connecting (at 460) dynamic label 105to the unique identifier may include identifying a value of dynamiclabel 105 by scanning dynamic label 105 or by programming dynamic label105 with the value. Connecting (at 460) dynamic label 105 to the uniqueidentifier may further include linking the value of dynamic label 105 tothe unique identifier such that the product data that is associated (at430) with the unique identifier also becomes associated with the valueof dynamic label 105 and/or becomes accessible using the value ofdynamic label 105.

Process 400 may include providing (at 470) the product with dynamiclabel 105 to a consumer. The product may be shipped to retailers whereconsumers may purchase or otherwise acquire the product.

Process 400 may include receiving (at 480) a scan of dynamic label 105from user device 210. For instance, the NFC chip of user device 210 mayread the value from dynamic label 105, and may wirelessly provide thevalue to host 220 where the data linked to dynamic label 105 can beaccessed. As noted above, the value from dynamic label 105 may specify aURL, address, or other identifier for reaching host 220, and fordirectly or indirectly (e.g., via the link established between the valueof dynamic label 105 and the unique identifier for the product)identifying the product data that is linked to dynamic label 105.

Process 400 may include identifying (at 490) the unique identifier thatis connected to received value from dynamic label 105. In someembodiments, the identification (at 490) may include performing adatabase query or other lookup using the value that is read from dynamiclabel 105 in order to determine the unique identifier that is connectedto the value of dynamic label 105.

Process 400 may then include providing (at 495), to user device 210, theproduct data that is associated (at 430) with the unique identifier bydifferent nodes in the supply chain. In some embodiments, the productdata may be wirelessly transmitted to user device 210 over a datanetwork. In some embodiments, the data is presented on user device 210in a graphical user interface or application.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of different data being associated withdynamic labels 510 and 520 of the same product produced by differentsupply chain nodes in accordance with some embodiments presented herein.As shown in FIG. 5 , production of first product batch 515 begins byobtaining ingredients, raw materials, or other source items fromsourcing node 110-1 and 110-2, whereas production of second productbatch 525 begins by obtaining ingredients, raw materials, or othersource items from sourcing nodes 110-2 and 110-3.

In some embodiments, sourcing nodes 110-1 and 110-3 may provide the samesource items for first product batch 515 and second product batch 525,but may grow, manufacture, or otherwise provide the source items fromdifferent locations with different equipment, workers, conditions,nutrients, chemicals, and/or other variances in how the source items areproduced or obtained. In some other embodiments, sourcing nodes 110-1and 110-3 may provide different source items for different compositions,potencies, and/or other variances in first product batch 515 and secondproduct batch 525.

In any case, sourcing nodes 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 may generatedifferent data sets 530 and 540. Data set 530 may include product datafrom sourcing nodes 110-1 and 110-2, and may be associated with a firstunique identifier (e.g., “ID X”). The first unique identifier may beused by the supply chain nodes to tag product data that is generated forfirst product batch 515. Data set 540 may include product data fromsourcing nodes 110-2 and 110-3, and may be associated with a secondunique identifier (e.g., “ID_Y”). The second unique identifier may beused by the supply chain nodes to tag product data that is generated forsecond product batch 525.

First product batch 515 may be manufactured at processing/manufacturingnode 120 using the materials obtained from sourcing nodes 110-1 and110-2, and second product batch 525 may be also be manufactured atprocessing/manufacturing node 120 using different materials obtainedfrom sourcing nodes 110-2 and 110-3. Accordingly, even though productbatches 515 and 525 are manufactured at the same facility using the sameequipment and/or workers, different data may again be generated for eachproduct batch 515 and 525 at processing/manufacturing node 120 becauseof the different materials from different sourcing nodes 110 used in themanufacturing process. For instance, products of first product batch 515and second product batch 525 may have slight variances due to thedifferent sourced materials, and the slight variances may be indicatedin data sets 530 and 540 by the data that is generated for each productbatch 515 and 525 by processing/manufacturing node 120. In other words,processing/manufacturing node 120 may generate first data as a result ofmanufacturing first product batch 515, and may associate the first datato the first unique identifier used in identifying first product batch515. Similarly, processing/manufacturing node 120 may generate seconddata as a result of manufacturing second product batch 525, and mayassociate the second data to the second unique identifier used inidentifying second product batch 525.

First product batch 515 may be tested by testing node 130-1 at a firstfacility, and second product batch 525 may be tested by testing node130-2 at a second facility. The test results from testing node 130-1 maybe associated with first product batch 515 by linking the test resultsto the first unique identifier, and the test results from testing node130-2 may be associated with second product batch 525 by linking thetest results to the second unique identifier. Even though the testresults may be the same and/or indicate compliance, regulatory, and/orsafety standards being met, the different data sets allow consumers ofeach product batch 515 and 525 to identify where, how, and/or when eachbatch 515 and 525 was tested.

First product batch 515 may be packaged at first packaging node 140-1where first dynamic label 510 may be placed on the container and/orpackage of each product in first product batch 515. First packaging node140-1 may associate additional data that is generated during thepackaging process of first product batch 515 to the first uniqueidentifier, and may connect the first unique identifier to first dynamiclabel 510 so that all data that has been associated with the firstunique identifier throughout the supply chain becomes accessible viafirst dynamic label 510. In some embodiments, first packaging node 140-1may program the NFC tag of first dynamic label 510 with a URL thatpoints to a site where the data associated with first unique identifieris accessible. In some embodiments, the NFC tag of first dynamic label510 may be programmed with the first unique identifier, and user device210 may read and transmit the first unique identifier to host 220 wherethe data associated with the first unique identifier is provided. Insome embodiments, the NFC tag of first dynamic label 510 may already beencoded with a value, and first packaging node 140-1 may read the valuefrom the NFC tag and link the value from the NFC tag to the first uniqueidentifier. Accordingly, when user device 210 queries host 220 with thevalue from the NFC tag, host 220 can identify the link between the valueand the first unique identify, and may provide the data that isassociated with the first unique identifier in response to the query.

Similarly, second product batch 525 may be packaged at second packagingnode 140-2 where second dynamic label 520 may be placed on the containerand/or package of each product in second product batch 525. Secondpackaging node 140-2 may associate data that is generated during thepackaging process of second product batch 525 to the second uniqueidentifier, and may connect the second unique identifier to seconddynamic label 520 so that all data that has been associated with thesecond unique identifier throughout the supply chain becomes accessiblevia second dynamic label 520.

Additional data may be generated and associated with the first uniqueidentifier of first product batch 515 and with the second uniqueidentifier of second product batch 525 at distribution node 150. Thegenerated data can be added to the unique identifier even after dynamiclabels 510 and 520 have been connected to the unique identifiers used inthe supply chain to associate data to the respective products or productbatches 515 and 525.

FIG. 5 therefore illustrates an example of different data beingdynamically added to dynamic product labels 510 and 520 for differentunits or batches of the same product. Accordingly, user device 210 mayreceive different data when scanning dynamic product label 510 and 520from different units or batches of the same product. The different dataprovides the user with more accurate verification of the productlifecycle throughout the supply chain while also verifying composition,purity, potency, safety, and/or efficacy of the product in a manner thatis more accurate than what is printed on a static label, wherein thestatic label provides the same data for all units or batches of theproduct even when variances may exist in the different units or batches.

Another benefit of dynamic product labels 510 and 520 is the ability forany node in the supply chain to modify or update the data it generatedfor a product even after the product has left that node in the supplychain and/or has shipped to consumers. The dynamic updating of the datathat is accessed from dynamic product labels 510 and 520 can be used tonotify consumers of important safety information and/or disclose newinformation. For instance, some time after first product batch 515 isshipped to consumers, sourcing node 110-1 may determine that thematerials it provided for the manufacturing of first product batch 515were contaminated, and may therefore update the data that is accessedvia first dynamic label 510 to notify consumers of the issue while thedata for dynamic product label 520 for second product batch 525 may beleft unchanged.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of dynamically updating data for a productand conveying the updated data via dynamic product label 105 inaccordance with some embodiments presented herein. At first time 610,user device 210 may read the NFC tag or other identifier from dynamicproduct label 105 of a product. User device 210 may obtain a value fromreading the dynamic product label 105, and may pass the value to host220. Host 220 may return first data set 615 that is associated withdynamic product label 105 (e.g., data that is associated with the uniqueidentifier assigned to the product and that is connected to the valuefrom dynamic product label 105), and that is generated by sourcing node110, processing/manufacturing node 120, and testing node 130 by firsttime 610.

Between first time 610 and later second time 620, sourcing node 110 andprocessing/manufacturing node 120 may change the data that wascontributed to first data set 615. For instance, sourcing node 110 mayreceive additional certification for its materials (e.g., certifiedvegan) that can be added to the data for the product.Processing/manufacturing node 120 may add a new regulatory statement tothe product as a result of newly passed legislation. In each case, thenew data can be associated with the unique identifier of the productthat is connected to dynamic product label 105 placed on the productcontainer or packaging. Accordingly, when user device 210 scans dynamicproduct label 105 at second time 620, and provides the value extractedfrom dynamic product label 105 to host 220, host 220 may returndifferent second data set 625 to user device 210 at second time 620, anduser device 210 may present the updated information.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example architecture for the dynamic productlabeling of some embodiments. Supply chain nodes 110-150 may providegenerated product data to host 220. More specifically, supply chainnodes 110-150 may provide the data that they generate for a productalong with the unique identifier that is assigned to the product to host220.

Host 220 may include one or more devices with storage and networkconnectivity. Host 220 may be accessed via an Internet Protocol (“IP”)address, URL, and/or other identifiers. Host 220 may aggregate the datathat is generated by different nodes 110-150 for different productunique identifiers, wherein each unique identifier may be associatedwith the data of a different product, product batch, or other sets ofproducts. In some embodiments, host 220 may generate and distribute theunique identifiers to supply chain nodes 110-150.

Host 220 may also receive dynamic product label 105 and/or the value ofdynamic product label 105 that is used to access the data associatedwith a unique identifier. In some embodiments, packaging node 140 mayconnect dynamic product label 105 to a unique identifier, and mayidentify the link between dynamic product label 105 and the uniqueidentifier to host 220.

Host 220 may provide an interface with which user device 210 may accessthe product data. In some embodiments, user device 210 may issueHyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) messages to host 220 in order torequest specific product data. In particular, user device 210 may read avalue from the NFC tag and/or other identifier of dynamic label 105 onthe container, package, or elsewhere on the product, and may submit thevalue to host 220. Host 220 may identify the unique identifier that isconnected and/or linked with the value extracted from dynamic productlabel 105, may retrieve the data that is associated with the uniqueidentifier, and may provide the retrieved data to user device 210 viaone or more data packets.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative architecture for the dynamic productlabeling of some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8 , supply chain nodes110-150 may include one or more storage devices 810 for storing the datathat is generated by that node and the unique identifier associated withthe data. Host 220 may compile the product data from storage devices810, and may return the compiled data to user device 210 in response toa request for the product data from user device 210.

To do so, host 220 may store a mapping of dynamic product label 105 tothe corresponding product unique identifier. Upon receiving a requestwith the value extracted from dynamic product label 105, host 220 maydetermine the unique identifier that is linked to that dynamic productlabel 105 value. Host 220 may then retrieve the data that is associatedwith the unique identifier from storage devices 810, and may return theretrieved data to user device 210. In this alternative architecture,host 220 may serve as an interface from which product data may beaccessed despite disparate storage of the data at storage devices 810.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of example components of device 900. Device 900 maybe used to implement one or more of the devices or systems describedabove (e.g., user device 210, host 220, sourcing nodes 110,processing/manufacturing node 120, testing nodes 130, packaging node140, distribution node 150, etc.). Device 900 may include bus 910,processor 920, memory 930, input component 940, output component 950,and communication interface 960. In another implementation, device 900may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arrangedcomponents.

Bus 910 may include one or more communication paths that permitcommunication among the components of device 900. Processor 920 mayinclude a processor, microprocessor, or processing logic that mayinterpret and execute instructions. Memory 930 may include any type ofdynamic storage device that may store information and instructions forexecution by processor 920, and/or any type of non-volatile storagedevice that may store information for use by processor 920.

Input component 940 may include a mechanism that permits an operator toinput information to device 900, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a button,a switch, etc. Output component 950 may include a mechanism that outputsinformation to the operator, such as a display, a speaker, one or morelight emitting diodes (“LEDs”), etc.

Communication interface 960 may include any transceiver-like mechanismthat enables device 900 to communicate with other devices and/orsystems. For example, communication interface 960 may include anEthernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, or thelike. Communication interface 960 may include a wireless communicationdevice, such as an infrared (“IR”) receiver, a Bluetooth® radio, or thelike. The wireless communication device may be coupled to an externaldevice, such as a remote control, a wireless keyboard, a mobiletelephone, etc. In some embodiments, device 900 may include more thanone communication interface 960. For instance, device 900 may include anoptical interface and an Ethernet interface.

Device 900 may perform certain operations relating to one or moreprocesses described above. Device 900 may perform these operations inresponse to processor 920 executing software instructions stored in acomputer-readable medium, such as memory 930. A computer-readable mediummay be defined as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device mayinclude space within a single physical memory device or spread acrossmultiple physical memory devices. The software instructions may be readinto memory 930 from another computer-readable medium or from anotherdevice. The software instructions stored in memory 930 may causeprocessor 920 to perform processes described herein. Alternatively,hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus,implementations described herein are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software.

The foregoing description of implementations provides illustration anddescription, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepossible implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may beacquired from practice of the implementations.

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used toimplement an embodiment is not limiting of the embodiment. Thus, theoperation and behavior of the embodiment has been described withoutreference to the specific software code, it being understood thatsoftware and control hardware may be designed based on the descriptionherein.

For example, while series of messages, blocks, and/or signals have beendescribed with regard to some of the above figures, the order of themessages, blocks, and/or signals may be modified in otherimplementations. Further, non-dependent blocks and/or signals may beperformed in parallel. Additionally, while the figures have beendescribed in the context of particular devices performing particularacts, in practice, one or more other devices may perform some or all ofthese acts in lieu of, or in addition to, the above-mentioned devices.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the disclosure of the possible implementations. Infact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specificallyrecited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Althougheach dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one otherclaim, the disclosure of the possible implementations includes eachdependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

Further, while certain connections or devices are shown, in practice,additional, fewer, or different, connections or devices may be used.Furthermore, while various devices and networks are shown separately, inpractice, the functionality of multiple devices may be performed by asingle device, or the functionality of one device may be performed bymultiple devices. Further, while some devices are shown as communicatingwith a network, some such devices may be incorporated, in whole or inpart, as a part of the network.

To the extent the aforementioned embodiments collect, store or employpersonal information provided by individuals, it should be understoodthat such information shall be used in accordance with all applicablelaws concerning protection of personal information. Additionally, thecollection, storage and use of such information may be subject toconsent of the individual to such activity, for example, throughwell-known “opt-in” or “opt-out” processes as may be appropriate for thesituation and type of information. Storage and use of personalinformation may be in an appropriately secure manner reflective of thetype of information, for example, through various encryption andanonymization techniques for particularly sensitive information.

Some implementations described herein may be described in conjunctionwith thresholds. The ten “greater than” (or similar ter s), as usedhereinto describe a relationship of a value to a threshold, may be usedinterchangeably with the term “greater than or equal to” (or similarterms). Similarly, the term “less than” (or similar terms) as usedherein to describe a relationship of a value to a threshold, may be usedinterchangeably with the term “less than or equal to” (or similarterms). As used herein, “exceeding” a threshold (or similar terms) maybe used interchangeably with “being greater than a threshold,” “beinggreater than or equal to a threshold,” “being less than a threshold,”“being less than or equal to a threshold,” or other similar terms,depending on the context which the threshold is used.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described assuch. An instance of the use of the term “and,” as used herein, does notnecessarily preclude the interpretation that the phrase “and/or” wasintended in that instance. Similarly, an instance of the use of the term“or,” as used herein, does not necessarily preclude the interpretationthat the phrase “and/or” was intended in that instance. Also, as usedherein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items, andmay be used interchangeably with the phrase “one or more.” Where onlyone item is intended, the terms “one,” “single,” “only,” or similarlanguage is used. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean“based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: labeling a product or apackaging of the product with a dynamic label, wherein the dynamic labelis integrated with one or more of a Radio-Frequency Identification(“RFID”) tag, Near Field Communication (“NFC”) tag, or an integratedcircuit; linking data, that is produced by one or more nodes in a supplychain of the product, to the dynamic label, wherein said linking thedata comprises: associating first data to the dynamic label based on aparticular node of the one or more nodes in the supply chain providingthe first data at a first time for the product; and replacing the firstdata with second data based on the particular node providing the seconddata at a later second time for the product; and transmitting the datafrom a host to a device in response to the device scanning the dynamiclabel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the datacomprises: providing the first data in response to the device scanningthe dynamic label between the first time and the second time; andproviding the second data in response to the device scanning the dynamiclabel after the second time.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereintransmitting the data comprises: providing data that is supplied by afirst node of the one or more nodes in the supply chain, and differentdata that is supplied by a different second node of the one or morenodes in the supply chain, wherein the first node is at a differentphysical location than the second node.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: encoding the dynamic label with a unique machine-readablevalue that is linked to the data and that is different than amachine-readable value of another dynamic label placed on a differentunit or packaging of the product.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein theunique machine-readable value comprises a Uniform Resource Locator(“URL”) from which to access the data.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: modifying the data that is linked to the dynamic label afterlabeling the product or the packaging of the product with the dynamiclabel.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: customizing the datathat is linked to the dynamic label of different units of the productbased on differences in sourced goods used in producing the differentunits of the product.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:customizing the data that is linked to the dynamic label of differentunits of the product based on different results that are generated fromtesting the different units of the product before distributing thedifferent units of the product for sale.
 9. The method of claim 1further comprising: customizing the data that is linked to the dynamiclabel of different units of the product based on differences inlocations, facilities, equipment, or workers involved in producing thedifferent units of the product.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: customizing the data that is linked to the dynamic label ofdifferent units of the product based on different dates associated witheach of the different units of the product, wherein the different datescomprise one or more of a potency date, expiration date, manufacturingdate, harvest date, and distribution date.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the data comprises a certification for one or more ofcompliance, regulatory, and safety standards.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein labeling the product comprises: determining a unique identifierwith which to access the data that is produced by the one or more nodesin the supply chain; and connecting a machine-readable value of thedynamic label to the unique identifier.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein connecting the machine-readable value comprises: programming themachine-readable value of the dynamic label with the unique identifier.14. The method of claim 12, wherein connecting the machine-readablevalue comprises establishing a link between a first unique value fromthe machine-readable value of the dynamic label and a second uniquevalue of the unique identifier; and wherein transmitting the data fromthe host comprises: receiving the first unique value from the device;and retrieving the data using the second unique value in response to thelink between first unique value and the second unique value.
 15. Adynamic labeling system comprising: a dynamic label affixed to a productor a packaging of the product, wherein the dynamic label is integratedwith one or more of a Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag, NearField Communication (“NFC”) tag, or an integrated circuit; and a hostcomprising one or more processors configured to: link data, that isproduced by one or more nodes in a supply chain of the product, to thedynamic label, wherein said linking the data comprises: associatingfirst data to the dynamic label based on a particular node of the one ormore nodes in the supply chain providing the first data at a first timefor the product; and replacing the first data with second data based onthe particular node providing the second data at a later second time forthe product; and transmit the data from the host to a device in responseto the device scanning the dynamic label.
 16. The dynamic labelingsystem of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are furtherconfigured to: customize the data that is linked to the dynamic label ofdifferent units of the product based on differences in sourced goodsused in producing the different units of the product.
 17. The dynamiclabeling system of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors arefurther configured to: customize the data that is linked to the dynamiclabel of different units of the product based on different results thatare generated from testing the different units of the product beforedistributing the different units of the product for sale.
 18. Thedynamic labeling system of claim 15, wherein the one or more processorsare further configured to: customize the data that is linked to thedynamic label of different units of the product based on differences inlocations, facilities, equipment, or workers involved in producing thedifferent units of the product.
 19. The dynamic labeling system of claim15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:customize the data that is linked to the dynamic label of differentunits of the product based on different dates associated with each ofthe different units of the product, wherein the different dates compriseone or more of a potency date, expiration date, manufacturing date,harvest date, and distribution date.
 20. A method comprising: labeling aproduct or a packaging of the product with a dynamic label, wherein thedynamic label is integrated with one or more of a Radio-FrequencyIdentification (“RFID”) tag, Near Field Communication (“NFC”) tag, or anintegrated circuit that encodes a machine-readable value; linking data,that is produced by one or more nodes in a supply chain of the product,to the dynamic label; and determining a unique identifier with which toaccess the data that is produced by the one or more nodes in the supplychain; establishing a link between a first unique value from themachine-readable value of the dynamic label and a second unique value ofthe unique identifier; transmitting the data from a host to a device inresponse to the device scanning the dynamic label, wherein transmittingthe data from the host comprises: receiving the first unique value fromthe device; and retrieving the data using the second unique value inresponse to the link established between first unique value and thesecond unique value.